Farmington Democrats celebrate inauguration

Monday

Jan 21, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

FARMINGTON — Those who couldn’t make it to Washington, D.C. for the inaugural celebrations of President Barack Obama’s second term got to celebrate the historic event in a more intimate setting on Sunday.

At the Inaugural Ball, hosted by the Farmington Democratic Committee, locals gathered to enjoy music and hors d’oeuvres, while reflecting on the Democrats’ achievements this election season.

“We can be very proud we elected a president of color, and that despite the hatred, the money (raised on the other side of the aisle), we elected him again,” said Farmington Democratic Committee Chairman Manny Krasner.

Upon realizing that Obama’s public inauguration ceremony was happening on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Krasner said it’s “poetic justice.”

Krasner said that members of the Farmington Democratic Committee decided to organize the Inaugural Ball in the fall, as a way for fellow Democrats to enjoy each other’s company while helping raise money for the committee.

Local musician Pat O’Brien entertained those in attendance, and the audience sang along to songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” by Bob Dylan.

Among those in attendance was Ken Grossman, a newly elected state representative for Barrington. He said Obama’s re-election is “something we are very happy about.”

“It’s about hope,” said Grossman. “We’ve got some troubles in this country ... but I think he’s a president who did, and still can, offer us hope.”

Grossman said there is still work to be done when it comes to issues of economy, environment, and health care.

He said that while it was tempting to stay home and watch the Patriots’ game Sunday evening, the president’s inauguration is an important event to celebrate.

Krasner said that some in attendance did leave some time after the event started, in order to go home and watch the football game.

During the Inaugural Ball, participants could also enter a raffle with a chance to win a romantic overnight stay at the Governor’s Inn in Rochester.